Chris Stairs

Learn how a BC Government agency is moving to modern SharePoint. One more competed to help people (especially communicators) thrive!

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Revolution is a term used way too often. But revolutionary is the best way to describe current developments in outer space. What might the new "golden era" of space exploration and resource exploitation mean for Canada? https://lnkd.in/dYx5FsWY #spacerace #outerspace #spaceeconomy #cdnpoli #intelligencepriorities #nationalsecurity #spaceexploration #spacetourism #resourceexploration #revolutioninspace #strategicforesight #futureofspace #futuresthinking #strategicmanagement #infrastructure Australia in Space Australian Strategic Policy Institute Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Canada Infrastructure Bank/ Banque de l'infrastructure du Canada Canada Foundation for Innovation/Fondation canadienne pour l'innovation Vancouver Strategic & Integrated Research Coalition for a Better Future

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If you haven’t done weather planning for your events, here’s your chance to upskill!

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The enterprise opportunity to deploy new technologies is vast, but CIOs must adapt digital transformation principles to maximize value. Learn more: https://ow.ly/ncJg30sBCLz #EYCanada #BetterWorkingWorld #ProjectManagement #Consulting #transformation

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some interesting thoughts here. Hoping other regions get to catch up.

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You've registered for Yotta, right? Wait you haven't you registered for Yotta? Why haven't you registered? Why aren't you registering now? https://lnkd.in/ej6vHVgw #yotta #yotta2024 #vegas #digitalinfrastructure #data #datacenter #datacentre #compute #storage #network #carbonzero #esg #sustainability #ai #artificialintelligence #quantumcomputing #quantumtechnology #chips #servers #cooling #liquidcooling #telecom #satellitecommunications #subsea #subseacable #telecom #edgecomputing

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Water cooler Talk! Accessibility is so much more than certification. Yes, it’s a great starting point; however, it's important to note that it doesn't necessarily represent the highest possible standards for accessibility - especially in Canada. The existing codes and standards represent the floor - the base standards - and not the ceiling - or the highest possible standards - for accessibility design. We need everyone to start designing spaces based on how we want those spaces to be used effectively, instead of based on what the code says is expected for accessibility.   I may be a person living with a disability (Cerebral palsy in my case), but I am still a person, am I not? We are all people first! Why is it okay that I and others with disabilities represent a "check box" for building standards? Just because I walk with character, or my wheels like to make friends with ankles, doesn’t mean I’m not as important as everyone else. I’m still a person. Everyone deserves the same respect and consideration in all spaces and places, regardless of their disability. Certification is only a snapshot of the day; it doesn’t encompass everything that is going on in a particular space or the finer details that people with disabilities experience daily. I encourage everyone in this industry to strive for more than just getting your "stamp" for designing to code. Think of LEED when you think of certification. What happened at the beginning? We know now that it wasn’t the be-all and end-all of green building standards. Universal Design needs to be at the forefront of designing accessible environments and not an afterthought or check box. Everyone wants to go out and be in their community and have a sense of belonging. No one wants to have to spend yet more time figuring out how they're going to enter a building or can I go to the washroom, for example? This is exactly why we should be designing for ALL people. We must look beyond the basic codes and standards of certification. There is so much more one can do with the spaces to make them truly accessible to everyone.    Architects should be doing more than the bare minimum out of consideration for the people who will be using their spaces and places. Building owners are responsible for recognizing that we are all human and have money to spend in your facilities.   If you want to treat us like checklists, so be it. Just remember that we are the largest minority group in the world and you never know if or when you might become one of us -someone with a disability who faces the same challenges myself and others do every single day! Designing for all requires thinking outside of the box. I dream of the day when I can finally go out and not have to think twice about where I’m going. Remember, I’m a person, too. We all are! Please see me for me, and please start designing buildings not just to check off a box but to consider every person who wants to enter those buildings and use those spaces. #Accessibility

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"AI is not just the future; it's reshaping the present of franchising." I recently had an enlightening conversation with Gary Prenevost, President of FranNet of Southern Ontario and Eastern Canada, on his podcast Franchise Canada Chats about the transformative role of AI in franchising. We delved deep into how AI is not just a buzzword but a game-changer for the industry. Gary and I explored various ways AI is being integrated into franchising, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing operations. Imagine a world where franchise owners can predict market trends, personalize marketing strategies, and streamline their supply chain—all thanks to AI. This isn't science fiction; it's happening now. At WSI World, we're excited to be at the forefront of this revolution. We're pioneering an AI Business Analysis Framework that empowers our franchisor clients to harness the power of AI. Our approach is simple yet effective: equip franchise owners with AI tools that drive efficiency, boost profitability, and enhance customer satisfaction. For instance, AI-driven analytics can provide actionable insights into consumer behavior, helping franchisors tailor their offerings to meet specific customer needs. Automated systems can handle routine tasks, freeing up time for franchise owners to focus on growth and innovation. And let's not forget the potential for AI to revolutionize training and support, making it easier for new franchise owners to hit the ground running. But the benefits of AI in franchising go beyond operational efficiency. It's about creating a smarter, more responsive business model that can adapt to changing market conditions. It's about giving franchise owners the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. So, what does this mean for you? Whether you're a franchisor or a franchise owner, now is the time to embrace AI. It's not just about staying ahead of the curve; it's about setting the curve. #AI #Franchising #aifranchising Valerie Brown-Dufour Dan Monaghan - CFE Josh Huston Kundan Mohapatra Séamus Smyth Cheryl Baldwin - CFE Canadian Franchise Association International Franchise Association https://lnkd.in/enzHmet7

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Member take aways from the session: - The power of AND (paradox). Looking at organizational challenges through the lens of creative tensions. - Servant leadership extends beyond sacrifice, it requires a leader to invest in their own development. - Leadership is a craft where mastery requires consistency. - Sometimes the best improvement comes from addressing our self-sabotage. - Choosing Influence over being Right. - Parenting = Giving (even your adult kids) Roots + Wings.

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Glad to see this article. I’ve felt for a long time that gold medalist don’t inspire people to aspire into sport (on the whole) - we’re perceived as untouchable, something out of reach for normal people. Well, this is how I felt as a kid watching the sporting greats. Sports real value is a balance between people doing a sport for health reasons and watching sports for social reasons. We need a healthy balance between the two. Unfortunately watching sport brings in a lot more money then playing sport and is way more dominant then the doing side of sport. The watching side is so much more dominate because it’s just a form entertainment. The better the sport the more people who’ll watch (a key measure of the industry) however what happens when people watch sport? - they sit down. They spend their free time time, what little they have, watching - NOT doing! It’s an either / or for most people. This balance needs addressing. We need to channel money away from the watching side to fund more of the doing side. Into schools, charities and clubs to reduce the barriers to entry and connect those who can really inspire participation - your local coach / volunteer with those who need to get active - YOU AND ME!

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Check out the latest issue of Canadian Defence Review for an article about InnovMarine!

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Hi All, check out some thoughts from tech thought leader, Laura Mingail, on the future of entertainment. If you enjoy this, you can expect to see more insights coming from her in the coming months. #FutureOfEntertianment, #storytelling, #AI, #VR, #AR

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Highlighting a piece from this that I think is key. Boards that understand the intangible economy can: • Mitigate existential risks like IP theft and cyberattacks, which can wipe out years of progress in an instant. • Foster sustainable growth by aligning innovation strategies with market opportunities and regulatory realities. • Future-proof their organizations by embedding resilience and adaptability at every level. Applications are due January 6 for the Winter Level 1 Session, from January 28 to March 4 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 PM to 1 PM ET. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eRMretsF

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INDUSTRY NEWS: Quebec digital strategy commits to digital ID by 2028 The #Quebec government has unveiled its 2024-2028 Cybersecurity and Digital Strategy, aiming to boost public confidence and lead in digital transformation. Key goals include launching a digital identity and digital wallet program within four years, inspired by global best practices. The strategy addresses the rise in AI, cyberattacks, cloud computing, and the growing demand for digital services, emphasizing responsible and ethical data use. A major focus is on creating a unified digital delivery portal and a secure digital wallet for personal information and certificates. The plan includes a single login authentication service for easier access to government services. The strategy stresses collaboration, security, and privacy, aiming to improve the citizen experience and build trust in digital public services. The collective effort of all public organizations, led by the Ministère de la Cybersécurité et du Numérique du Québec (MCN), is crucial for this transformation. Jonathan Kelly #digitalstrategy #digitalID #digitalwallet #digitalgovernance #cybersecurity #AI https://lnkd.in/g5NJwmpx

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I'm excited to help kick off the Alberta Technology Leaders in Education AI summit! In preparing for this talk, I circled back to the work of Sherry Turkle. She wrote this book over a decade ago but it feels very on point for this moment. #aiethics #ai #artificalintelligence #dataethics #generativeai #chatbots

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Recently, the news about the Canadian National Women’s Soccer Staff involved in a cheating scandal has made headlines. While the competitive drive to win is understandable, this incident shows an essential principle: success built on dishonesty is ultimately hollow. In sports, as in business, integrity is non-negotiable. The short-term gains from unethical behavior can never outweigh the long-term damage to reputation and trust. True champions and successful businesses are those that compete fairly and uphold their values, even when the pressure is high. Build careers and businesses on a foundation of honesty and integrity. The trust we earn from our peers, clients, and partners is invaluable and irreplaceable. #Integrity #EthicsInBusiness #Leadership #Trust #LessonsFromSports

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Canadian SMBs are stepping up their digital transformation game. 78% feel confident using technology to drive strategy, and 71% have adopted or plan to adopt cloud solutions. Their focus? Enhancing customer experience, improving operations, and gaining an edge. But challenges remain. Only 33% use AI or machine learning for automation, and 84% struggle to find talent with the right digital skills. There’s momentum—yes. But unlocking the full potential will require more investment in tools and talent. The businesses that close these gaps? They’ll be the ones thriving in Canada’s digital future.

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Maintaining control of your cloud can transform your business outcomes. ☁️ Learn how stabilizing cloud operations can help your business balance benefits and costs. Learn more: https://ow.ly/RBXB30sBIIA #EYCanada #Cloud #Microsoft #EYAlliance #projectmanagement #transformation #Consulting

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